study abroad vs staying for FT recruiting

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights to consider:

Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad vs. Staying for FT Recruiting

Studying Abroad:

• Unique Experience: Studying abroad is often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can provide personal growth and a broader perspective.
• Cultural Exposure: It helps you understand different cultures and can be a significant talking point in interviews.
• Pass/Fail Classes: Since classes are pass/fail, you won't be able to boost your GPA during this period.

Staying for FT Recruiting:

• GPA Improvement: Staying could allow you to take additional classes to raise your GPA, which might be beneficial for recruiting.
• Recruiting Opportunities: Being on campus might provide better access to recruiting events and networking opportunities.
• In-Person Interviews: You might have an advantage in interviews by being able to attend them in person rather than remotely.

Considerations:

• Current Internship: You already have an IB internship offer at a large non-BB bank (e.g., Wells Fargo, BMO, RBC). This is a strong position to be in, and if you perform well, it could lead to a full-time offer.
• Target School Advantage: Attending a target school already gives you a leg up in the recruiting process, even with a GPA around 3.5.
• Future Recruiting: If you go abroad, you might face tougher odds in FT recruiting due to a lower GPA and the potential disadvantage of remote interviews.

Insights from Similar Situations:

• Delayed Graduation: Some users have considered delaying graduation to align better with recruiting cycles and to improve their GPA (e.g., "Missed SA 2019 recruiting - delay graduation for SA 2020?").
• Balancing Experiences: Others have emphasized the importance of unique experiences like studying abroad, suggesting that you have your whole life to work in an office, but limited opportunities to study abroad ("Stay for recruiting or study abroad in junior spring?").

Recommendations:

1. Evaluate Your Priorities: Determine what is more important to you—gaining a unique life experience or improving your GPA and being present for recruiting.
2. Leverage Your Internship: If you decide to study abroad, make sure to leverage your current internship to secure a full-time offer.
3. Network Remotely: If you go abroad, stay proactive in networking and preparing for interviews remotely.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal and professional priorities. Both paths have their own sets of advantages and challenges.

Sources: Stay for recruiting or study abroad in junior spring?, If your SA internship is canceled, but you get FT offer, will you still recruit for "better" job?, Should I Slow Down?, Missed SA 2019 recruiting - delay graduation for SA 2020?, URGENT! Delayed Graduation for FT due to Study Abroad, what do I do?